Innovation and Enterprise

Supporting the arts, innovation and entrepreneurship through legal expertise

Cultural Heritage Policy Clinic

The Cultural Heritage Policy Clinic gives students the opportunity to contribute to a policy document for La Liberté Arts Group, which is working to protect Togho embroidery, a traditional cultural expression from the North West Region of Cameroon. The patterns used on the embroidered clothing are being exploited commercially without the consent of traditional dressmakers or recognition of their origins. This risks misappropriation and the loss of community control over how the designs are represented. La Liberté is seeking greater legal recognition and protection for the communities that have preserved this cultural tradition for generations.

Students will research intellectual property and cultural heritage laws in Cameroon and internationally, examining how legal frameworks can protect traditional cultural expressions from unauthorised commercial exploitation and ensure that communities retain recognition, control and benefit from their cultural heritage.

Led by Principal Investigator Dr Lauren Bursey, with supervision from Dr Tatiana Flessas, in collaboration with La Liberté and lawyers in Cameroon, students will contribute to a policy paper exploring potential legal mechanisms to safeguard Togho embroidery, support community-led governance, prevent the misappropriation of traditional designs, and create pathways for benefits and recognition to flow back to local artisans, particularly the grassroots women embroiderers who keep the tradition alive.

La Liberté film created and directed by Akumbu L. Jones Bubuh, Director of La Liberte Arts Group, shared with permission:

Performing Arts Clinic

The Performing Arts Clinic provides students with a unique opportunity to gain insight into legal practice while supporting organisations in the performing arts sector. Working with lawyers from leading international law firm Covington & Burling, students participate in an externship-style programme based at the firm's offices.

Students have the opportunity to observe and discuss live client matters involving performing arts charities and organisations. They may attend client meetings, assist with note-taking during conferences and engage in reflective discussions with lawyers about the legal, commercial and strategic issues arising from cases. Through this experience, students gain valuable exposure to the day-to-day work of business lawyers advising the arts sector on issues such as governance, employment, commercial contracts, compliance, and equality, diversity and inclusion.